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Betts & Associates is committed to providing each of our clients with top quality legal representation and achieving successful outcomes for their cases. We specialize in representing individuals and businesses in all areas of complex civil litigation matters. Our firm provides legal services with skill, strength, and integrity to residents all over the state of Georgia.

Betts and Associates offer a wide range of skills in almost all areas of the legal practice. Our commitment to growing a wide range of more discrete practice areas allows us to better assess client needs and provide prompt and effective legal solutions. Our firm was founded on the belief in providing personal service and valuable legal counsel that addresses our client's needs creatively. After a decade, that has not changed. We ensure that every client's case is carefully handled every step of the way.

If you need advice about the best way to approach and resolve your case, consider Betts & Associates. To request a legal consultation, contact our office at 404-577-8888 to schedule an appointment. We are proud to provide personal service and practical solutions for those with even the most complex legal concerns.

Published on:October 11, 2012

Georgia Immigration Law Results in More Applications for Citizenship

According to the United States Census Bureau, large numbers of foreign-born Georgia residents are taking the necessary steps to become naturalized United States citizens. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on October 9 this appears to be a direct result of Georgia’s new, strict immigration law as the state has seen an increase in over 43,000 naturalized citizens between 2010 and 2011. That is a jump of 13% overall.

This increase in naturalization is logical given the harsh consequences of Georgia’s new immigration law and the flexibility local law enforcement officers now have to enforce its terms. For example, local law enforcement officers have the authority to check the immigration status of virtually every suspected non-citizen or legal resident who cannot provide identification upon request. Such inquiries had been handled exclusively by federal immigration authorities in the past, but under Georgia’s new law local authorities can now pursue matters of immigration on their own.

Moreover, strict penalties have been proposed to any business owner who does not verify their current workers’ and new hires’ legal authorization to work. This requirement is burdensome to companies and has reportedly resulted in a diminished labor pool in vital areas of Georgia’s economy such as farming and agriculture.

The threat of arrest and trouble finding a job simply for not having all or your necessary paperwork in order is only part of the new law. Suspected non-citizens and/or legal residents can also be denied basic public benefits such as health care, education, and food assistance unless they can prove their status upon request.

If you are a Georgia resident and think you are eligible to become a naturalized citizen then it would be advisable to seek legal counsel from a local attorney who specializes in immigration law in order to get the most up to date information on how best to proceed.